1851 3d Red Heraldic Imperforate, used with oval grid cancel, margins are large to well clear, very fine. (Image)

Unitrade $ 700

1851 3d and 1sh Heraldic Imperforates, Both Bisected on Piece, each stamp being bisected in half diagonally and affixed next to the other on a small piece, properly tied to each other and to piece by a neat and very fine strike of the New Brunswick grid numeral 8 (Chatham, RF 7 in Pence period). This was one of the proper ways to pay the 7½d rate to the U.K. (after 1854), since no stamps were issued in that denomination (another much more common way being to use a complete 6d and bisected 3d). Fine, with owner (or expert) signature on back dated 1926, and accompanied by a 2021 PSAG certificate.

Proper usages of the 1sh bisect are extremely rare, and in fact none were found in our search of recent offerings, and the only reference to it is this interesting one from Argenti The Postage Stamps of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia reading: "Jarrett, on p. 235 of his British North America catalogue, records a bisected 1/- with a bisected 3d making the 7½d rate; this is probably the same piece which was in Alderman Bainbridge's collection and was sold on October 6th 1930 at Harmers, Lot 142. It was on a small piece but had a Royal Certificate (N.S.A.)". We believe there is a strong possibility this could be the item mentioned. (Image)

Est $ 500

1851 6d Olive Yellow Heraldic Imperforate, used with two neat oval grid cancels in blue, with four huge margins, but repaired. Extremely fine appearance. (Image)

Unitrade $ 1,600